Cambridge University clinches victory against Oxford in both men’s and women’s Boat Races, extending their winning streaks while raising concerns over Thames water quality.
In the 2024 edition of the historic Boat Race, Cambridge reaffirmed their dominance over Oxford by securing wins in both the men’s and women’s races, marking their fifth victory in six years for the men’s team and extending the women’s winning streak to seven consecutive victories. The event, which took place over the weekend, featured the 78th women’s race and the 169th men’s race, drawing international attention to the fierce rivalry between the two prestigious universities.
The Cambridge men’s team, led by cox Ed Bracey from Wolfson College, outpaced Oxford with a lead of over 10 seconds, demonstrating superior teamwork and skill. Similarly, in the women’s race, despite a challenging moment when Oxford nearly collided with them, Cambridge, with bow Gemma King expressing confidence in the team’s speed, successfully fended off their rivals. An appeal by Oxford’s cox regarding potential interference was dismissed by umpire Richard Phelps, who attributed the issue to Oxford’s misnavigation.
However, this year’s races were not just about the competition. Concerns over water quality in the Thames arose due to high levels of E. coli bacteria, prompting safety warnings from Boat Race organizers. Rowers were advised against the traditional post-victory plunge into the river, with an average of 2,869 E. coli colony-forming units per 100ml being reported, surpassing the Environment Agency’s quality standards. In response, measures including a dedicated washing down station for participants were implemented to mitigate health risks.
Despite the environmental concerns, Cambridge’s victories added another chapter to their recent history of success in the Boat Race, an event celebrated for its competitive spirit and the remarkable dedication of its athletes. This year’s races also highlighted ongoing concerns about river pollution, spurring calls for Thames Water to take action after the utility company was fined £35.7m for incidents contributing to the river’s contamination.
